University Counseling Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What kinds of counseling are available to students at the Counseling Center?A. Personal, couple, and group counseling are available at the University Counseling Center.

Q. Is there a charge for counseling?A. No. The counseling service itself is free for currently enrolled students. However, if you want to have ADHD or learning abilities tests completed, a fee is charged.

Q. Do I need an appointment to see a counselor?A. We prefer that students schedule an appointment for counseling. However, you may be able to be seen on a walk-in basis. If you are experiencing a crisis-type situation, inform the secretary, and we will make arrangements to have you see a counselor immediately.

Q. How can I get an appointment?A. By calling 298-2453 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Thursday and between 8 am and 4:30 pm on Fridays. Someone will schedule an appointment for you, or you may stop by in person during office hours.

Q. Who will know if I go to counseling? Can my parents and/or professors find out?A. Information about Counseling Center clients is considered confidential. This means that NO information about who is receiving counseling or the nature of their concerns is released without that person's written permission. Exceptions to this include subpoena, in cases of current child abuse, or if there is an expressed intent to harm one's self or another. The Counseling Center staff is extremely careful to maintain your confidentiality.

Q. If I seek counseling, will it become a part of my university records?A. No. Nothing which occurs at the Counseling Center becomes a part of your university record.

Q. What kinds of qualifications or credentials do the counselors have?A. All of our counselors hold master's and/or doctorate degrees, with many having certification in specialized areas.

Q. Can I get a DUI assessment done at the Counseling Center?A. No. We do not do alcohol assessments, but referrals can be made to appropriate sources by the Center. On campus this is done by the AOD office.

Q. I am not of Euro-American ancestry. Do you have counselors who are familiar with other cultures?A. Yes. Not only do we have counselors with diverse backgrounds, but our counselors continually seek out training and experiences expanding their diversity awareness. In addition, we have a counselor who is bilingual in Spanish/English.

Q. Is there a limit to how long I can receive counseling at the Counseling Center?A. Usually. Since we try to serve as many WIU students as possible, we may limit the number of sessions you can be seen each year. You will need to discuss your counseling needs with your counselor.